The Prospector: Senior Edition 2024

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Manitou Springs star JoAnne Meury Garrison shares several generations of Manitou history By: Morgan Flannery JoAnne Meury Garrison was a graduate of MSHS in 1949, back before the high school had even been built, and all students in every grade attended school in the building that is now Manitou Springs Elementary School. She has seen Manitou Springs change from first making a name for itself through the spring water, to what it is today.

Garrison came to MSHS to share Manitou Springs history and answer questions from the newspaper staff on Tue. Oct. 17, giving the Prospector a unique opportunity to meet someone who has seen MSHS change a lot over the course of her life.

In addition to being the Editor-In-Chief of the Prospector, Garrison was also the valedictorian of her graduating class and attended Colorado College on a scholarship.

“She was very, very active in anything that was musical, she always participated in all the school plays,” Garrison’s daughter, Jenni Willuhn said.

“She was everything but a cheerleader.”

Garrison grew up in the heart of downtown Manitou Springs, first on Lafayette Road, then on Midland Avenue, making for a convenient walk to school everyday. “We had to cross the railroad that came right along below Midland Avenue hauling the gold ore from Cripple Creek to the mill in Old Colorado City,” Garrison said.

As an editor, Garrison had more responsibility on the

newspaper staff than the rest, which gave her an unexpected outcome. “There was a young man who was a junior that year, and I was a senior.

He was writing up the basketball stories and football stories. Since I was the editor, I didn’t necessarily have to accept what he wrote,” Garrison said. “He wasn’t very happy with me about that. It ended up when both of us graduated from high school that I married him. He’s the father of my kids.”

The days of physical newspapers are dwindling, the Prospector looks a lot different than it did 70 years ago. “We had to type everything up on a typewriter and make copies of it, then take it down to the Pikes Peak Bulletin newspaper office, where the editor there was Francis Graham, and she would take our copy of the weekly prospector and typeset it,” Garrison said. The Prospector used to be published this way biweekly.

Garrison’s father worked at the mineral water bottling plant at the bottom of Ute Pass, where he was selling lemonade when he met her mother who had come to Manitou (the name of the town didn’t change to Manitou Springs until 1935, and her father was the one who championed the change) during summers from Kansas to take advantage of the health benefits for asthma. “I grew up in Manitou Springs when the population in the winter was about 300 people,” Garrison said. Mani-

tou Springs was only open Memorial day through Labor day up until around the 1970’s.

“During the summer the population of Manitou Springs became about 3000 people.”

Manitou Springs has changed a lot since then.

The current rivals in MSHS are Saint Mary’s and Woodland Park, but Garrison recalls the main rival used to be Cripple Creek. “The reason I remember Cripple Creek the most is because after every game Amanda Kerrigan we played with Cripple Editors of the Prospector pose with the former Editor-in-Chief of 1949, JoAnne Meury.

Creek, the boys would go out and fight after the Springs culture. “The point game,” Garrison said. where The Loop is, the traffic circle, there’s actually a vortex Additionally, sports like there from Ruxton Creek, basketball were only availFountain Creek, all those able to the boys, which they creeks coming together right happened to play on the authere,” Willuhn said. “The ditorium stage. Many people Indians way back centuries also wonder why the doors to ago, knew about it and came the elementary school difto Manitou for the healing ferentiate between boys and water.” girls. “The girls played in one part of the park waiting for Garrison remains highly the bell to ring and the boys involved in the community, played separately. Boys and and even plans to ride in next girls were more separated, year’s homecoming parade. even to the point of which “She’s the oldest one around door we came in,” Garrison and she’s still on Facebook, said. “And part of the reason and of course, everything that for that is when coming into happens with Manitou, she’s the building, the coat closets a champion of. She’s your and restrooms for boys and biggest cheerleader, 92 years girls were separate.” old and 4’8” and your biggest cheerleader,” Willuhn said.

Garrison’s knowledge of Manitou Springs doesn’t just end at the school. She and her family have a wealth of information and pieces of Manitou

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Letter from the President To the Class of 2024: There’s not much that I can write that you all don’t already know. Our class has practically seen it all - from our high school education beginning through folds of a COVID desk barrier to our final steps being in just a few weeks, the unknown seems to be at our every corner.

Our high school experiences can mostly be summed up as unknown; however, I believe the unknown bonded our class together for the good.

I know the bonds that we have created with each other helped to guide us all through the unknown. I know the strength of those bonds are Charlotte Bundaarg almost unbreakable.

Remember the people who stood with you during the unknown; those are your people. I am incredibly grateful to know that our class’s experiences with the unknown shaped us to leave a positive impact on those around us who are also experiencing the unknown alongside us.

These last four years worth of unknowns have shaped us to go through the constant changes of life with strength and courage and will help us to continue to grow into kind and passionate individuals.

As we take these next steps into our future, whatever it may be, the unknown may seem intimidating to us; but we can’t take for granted the unknown and the impact it has had on us. The unknown has looked different for many of us across our time at MSHS. Each unknown is unique in its own way and

has built a foundation for the future for each and every one of us. Whether your unknown was entering into a math class you’ve never heard of or trying out for a sport you’ve never done, the unknown shaped who you are.

If we are too afraid to venture into the unknown, we will never know the people we could have been if we had the courage to try.

I know we did not get to experience the freshman hike to Red Mountain; but as someone in the Student Council, I have done it many times. At the end of the hike, we read the incoming freshman “The Road Not Taken,” By Robert Frost. The poem talks about two paths and the struggle the narrator faces to choose which road to travel. One road is unknown and “less traveled by” while the other road is very traveled and seems to be the easier obvious

choice. Of course, this poem is symbolic of choosing the easy way or the easy road in life and getting a worse result instead of the harder way or the unknown road and it being worth it in the long run.

Although it goes without saying that having a normal freshman year with the hike would’ve made a positive difference for many of us, I think we learned this lesson without the push from the poem. I believe we conquered the unknown, and I hope we all continue to take the road that is less traveled, whether that means doing the right thing when it’s hard, putting in the extra effort even when it goes unnoticed, or always being there to help anyone who needs it. The choice to go down that path or the other path will be there. We just need to take the first step of courage to travel on the right one.

The unknown may be scary but I know we will choose the right path. Do what makes you happy. Be the best person you can. And choose kindness.

Thank you all for being there alongside me through the unknown. Thank you for all of your support through these years. Thanks for all the memories. Class of 2024…

GO FIND YOUR UNKNOWN AND CONQUER IT! Wishing you all the best.

Good luck with your journey, whatever it may be, pick the right path.

Till next time, Kate Johnson Student Body President 2023-2024

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Always been a Mustang...

Advice from Class of ‘24 Advisors

Everybody was once a beginner, and people will always doubt you no matter what you do, but don’t doubt yourself and don’t doubt your vision.

Andrew Slama

32 members of the Class of 2024 have attended MSSD14 schools since preschool or kindergarten.

They have grown up together and experienced the traditions of Manitou, like the annual Homecoming parade on Manitou Ave., yearly field days, walk-athons, walking field trips to visit local organizations and so much more.

As you move on to all that awaits you, remember those friends that you have at the time, and remember to take time to rest and have fun together. We all live life, but be sure that it is a good life, filled with memories worth living for.

Reg Hass

As you venture out into this world, remember that life is not to be attacked by, but rather to be attacked. Establish your largest ambitions and wake up each morning with a burning desire to attack them!

Brandon DeMatto If the door opens, walk in. Be open to new adventures, especially if they are out of your comfort zone.

Wendy Harms

Make good choices!

Liz Tindall

Then & Now: The Class of 2024

Cassidy Blechman

Scan the QR code to see a gallery of “Then and Now” photos featuring the Class of 2024.

Canon Feist

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Boys soccer ends with an impressive season and a lasting brotherhood

Seniors Cody Kelley and Cody Wyman place at the Cross Country State Championships

The boombox is blasting Kendrick Lamar in the bus as the soccer team gets hyped up for their game at Bayfield.

With a team of 12 seniors, the want to make this season great is high.

In a display of athletic performance, two exceptional seniors, Cody Kelley and Cody Wyman, placed at state in the Colorado Cross Country State Championship, bringing excitement and inspiration to Manitou Springs High School.

By: Katelyn Fonkert

“It’s super loud, and they all started playing it, and we’re just all like vibing into this,” Coach Ben Mack said. “We pulled up into the Bayfield parking lot, and everyone was just so hyped. All the windows were down. The Bayfield people were just looking at us, and the whole bus was just rocking, and everyone was just saying like, ‘hey, hey, hey’. We were just so amped up, and we’re kind of like a single mind at that point.

Then we got off the bus and played one of our best games ever.”

The boys varsity soccer team this year has 12 senior players, making this year an interesting year to coach the team, but also easier.

“Most of them have been with the program for all four years, and so they kind of have an idea of what we want to try to accomplish and kind of what the daily routines are, how we want to attack practices. You know, the intensity with which we want to do it,” Mack said.

Having a team with older teens allows for there to be more emotional maturity when it comes to the game.

“The maturity level of dealing with young adults is different

than 14 and 15-year-old kids, so they’re able to handle a little bit more emotionally,” Mack said. “They’ve seen a lot in terms of game experience and stuff, and so they don’t tend to get as high or low during wins or losses. And they can kind of see the big picture and tend to not be quite as volatile or emotional.”

Leaving the team behind will be hard for many of the seniors.

“I played soccer all my life, so it’s gonna be sad walking away from this; but I’m also happy. It was a good four years and we’ve done a lot,” right back defender Ethan Beckum said.

Most of the team has played together since middle school and have built strong connections with each other.

“I’ve played with a lot of them since sixth grade, C team in middle school; so we built up connections all through high school and through middle school. And now to be finished all together, it’s just, you know,” front right forward Bowman Hall (12) said. “We all know each other so well, and it helps with chemistry and playing well.”

With the end of the soccer season and graduation approaching, Hall hopes to keep the friendships he has made over the past four years.

“We’re all gonna obviously

Tim Schneider

The MSHS soccer seniors celebrate at senior night. They tied 3 – 3 for their game against James Irwin.(Beck Enquist, Jordan Somogyi, Gavin Smith, Graham Beckum, Ethan Beckum, Austin Courson, Jason Jones, Deric French, Evan Yount, Lucas Peixoto Sundquist, Josh Patterson, Bowman Hall, Nick Schneider)

split our ways to go to college; but you know, maybe one time during the summer, we go kick the ball around at the soccer field and just bring back the memories,” Hall said.

The team has formed connections that will not be forgotten. “It’s more than just

soccer at this point. It’s got important friendships,” Hall said. “It’s like a brotherhood.

You know we all show up, we all play our hardest, but in the end, win, lose, or tie we’re all still brothers. We all love each other.”

By: Ethan Anderson

By: Angela Rowe

State Championships were held at Norris Penrose Event Center, just down the road from where the MSHS cross country team runs every practice.

going the whole run,” Wyman said.

Kelley has been running cross country with Manitou since seventh grade. Although this is Wyman’s second season participating, both seniors were shown to be outstanding athletes, placing second and seventh at competition.

“Not doing well is the hardest part because the feeling you get when you do really well in a race is just phenomenal, and to cap off a season with a This was a demonstration of second place finish. I mean, their hard work, talent and it’s all the hard work that

Rick Wyman dedication, as placing at state you put in all the way since The Cross Country State Championships were held at Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs this year. is not an easy achievement. the end of track season really comes to fruition,” and I know they will both be “You realize that you know Kelley said.

Cross Country is a tough successful at the next level,” every workout that sucked sport that requires daily com- Sherwood said. every day that you didn’t want The success from this commitment, in which the seniors to go for a run was complete- petition can be credited to put in to prepare for the state “It was a dream come true,” ly worth it,” Kelley said. the dedication and mental championship.

Kelley said. strength the team put in Head coach Andy Sherwood during the season.

“Everything you do is a strat- The team raced their hearts has been coaching cross egy, like eating, sleeping, all out at state and coaches are country for 11 years although “We run a lot over the sumthat and even like, just like, extraordinarily proud of their this is his third season at mer with Cody and Cody you got to know how to hit accomplishments this season.

MSHS. He has coached averaging 50 miles a week your turns, if you want to get Kelley and Wyman since their over the summer,” Sherwood out fast and erase if you want sophomore year. said. to go slow, how hilly each mile is whether if you want to “I love that it is a team sport With intense training where individual goals are throughout the year, the team go faster the first mile slower first mile to save your energy,” also really important and has built important mental Wyman said. attainable,” Sherwood said. strengths that have allowed them to learn crucial lessons.

Along with daily commitThis success not only reflected their individual abilities “A facet of the racing is when ment, the coaches played an important part as they but the strong guidance they you race and you don’t do encouraged the team and received from coaches and as well as you think that’s teammates. definitely the hardest part be- pushed them to achieve their goals that helped them cause you kind of beat up on believe they were able to “I can run for an hour and yourself yet in reality, people talk with someone the entire have bad days and the hardest compete. time so you get to know peo- part is accepting that,” Kelley “It’s really great to have them run so well on a big stage ple and they help keep you said.

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A final theater production for Class of 2024 By: Cordelia Portman This spring, MSHS students will be putting on “The Snow” at the district auditorium. For a handful of seniors, this will be their final high school production.

Megan Taylor, a senior participating in the play this semester, began her theater career at a young age. She auditioned at a professional theater called Papermill Playhouse in Millburn New Jersey, which gained popularity for being the place “Newsies” opened before it was transferred to Broadway. “I auditioned to be young Fiona and Pinocchio in their professional production of “Shrek The Musical” and I didn’t get in, I decided I hated theater, I was never going to be in theater ever,” Taylor said. “And then I came to sixth grade and I saw my best friend Kai acting in a play, and I was like hey, I want to get to know that guy a little more.”

After being inspired to audition by Kai Jacobson (12), Taylor enjoyed the first production she played a role in. “I auditioned for my first play, it was really tough and the majority of the kids that auditioned were cut, but I was really lucky to get a minor character as a little girl with a stomach ache, which describes me very well,” Taylor said. “And then from that point onward, I just got hooked on theater.”

Taylor enjoys the process of building a production as a community, and the feeling like no other that strikes when the show begins.

“There’s really no other feeling than that adrenaline rush

when you get on stage and you can’t see anyone in the audience, there’s a bright light flashing down on you,” Taylor Said. “You really build a community every time you do a play and you foster an incredible project with an incredible group of people that you get to nurture for a few weeks or even several months at a time before you get to perform it

all together.”

Taylor plans on studying theater in college, but wanted a final goodbye to Wendy Harms, the theater teacher at MSHS, and the theater community as a whole. “I really just wanted one last hurrah with Wendy and the wonderful people in the theater here because I absolutely love the community that we build here,” Taylor said. “I’ve been speaking to Ms. Harms about how I’m going to move on and do this in college and hopefully professionally, so being able to have this place where I started and knowing I’ll be doing new things, it’s really bittersweet.”

Along with Taylor, Ethan Anderson (12) will also be participating in the spring play.

His first performance was “Fiddler On The Roof ”, during his sophomore year, which encouraged him to expand his social circle during a difficult time in his life. “When I first came into high school, I had a pretty bad social anxiety problem, I was having panic attacks pretty frequently. I joined Ms. Harms theater arts class, because I thought this would be good exposure therapy for

Cordelia Portman

Beket Wendell-Evans, Isaac Boczkiewicz and Meghan Taylor run the script for the spring play for practice at MSHS on Mar. 6. The first rehearsal was on Mar. 5.

me,” Anderson said. “And it was then that I started theater, not just because I love it and I love the art of it, but also because it was really good for me to do things that were scary.”

Since Anderson is going to college for art, this will be a bittersweet moment. “This might be one of the last times I do theater, since I’m a senior, I would like to pursue it, but it’s not what I’m going to college for,” Anderson said.

Anderson enjoys the way that the community builds something great as a group, and in turn encourages everyone as individuals. “All of the hard work that you put in to make something beautiful, and all the friends that you make, that’s kind of addicting for me,” Anderson said. “When you’re on the stage, and everything just goes perfectly and you have this moment of realization, thinking oh my god, I can do really cool stuff.”

Additionally, Jacobson feels that theater has always been a big part of his life. Even at a young age, he showed his passion for theater to his par-

ents. “I’ve done theater since I was four, I would do little performances for my parents all the time, I would perform homemade musicals, I would write little plays, I would always do that,” Jacobson said.

“So in elementary school I did the fifth grade play, which was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and that’s when I found my passion for theater.”

“Pensive” by Ethan Anderson

Untitled by Julianna Wiezorek

Untitled by Brooklyn Oursler

Untitled by Emily G. Davis

Jacobson has been committed to his theater career throughout high school, and is excited that his final high school production will be “The Snow”. “In high school I did all the plays I could do freshman year until now and this is the last play, and it’s my favorite playwright,” Jacobson said. “I did one of his plays a couple years ago and we won first place at the regionals and now we’re doing another one of his plays and I think it’s a good final goodbye to theater at Manitou.”

Jacobson thinks that theater can bring a story to life. “I think it’s a really amazing form of storytelling, that brings the story to life like a movie would, but it’s more personal and feels like you’re actually there with the story.”

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seen that, and the artistic element, and the music of theater, and all of that has always just been so pretty to me.”

Jacobson also enjoys the community he has found in the MSHS theater depart-

ment. “I’ve realized that the community in theater is just so great and a lot of schools don’t have such a welcoming and joyful theater community that Manitou has,” Jacobson said. “I think it’s really great that we have such a welcom-

ing and kind community that lets anybody into it, and has very little to no drama.”

Jacobson is going to college for theater, acting, or musical theater. “I’m excited to move on to do theater with new

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people and new directors, and in a new space,” Jacobson said. “For the last seven years I’ve done every single one of my plays in the exact same theater and I’m excited to move on, but also a little sad that this is the last one.”

Kate Johnson breaks barriers as a female football By: MaKenzi VerVaecke kicker The Manitou Springs High School football team’s kicker Kate Johnson (12), is continuing history in Manitou by being the third female kicker for the Mustangs varsity football team.

me being the only girl on the team; but I felt very, very included by all of the coaches,”Johnson said. “A lot of them go out of their way to make me feel comfortable and make me feel included.”

Johnson began playing football her junior year in search of a good team community after leaving the volleyball team due to her loss of interest in the sport. “I didn’t feel very connected to volleyball as a sport,” Johnson said. “The team morale was not what I was looking for, and I felt like football could give me a better community.”

One of Johnson’s favorite memories with head football coach, Stuart Jeck, was after she scored her first point after. “After I scored my first point after, I was running off the sidelines, and I was out of it because I was super excited; and Coach Jeck came up to me and held my shoulder pads,” Johnson said. “And he said, “I want you to know that I’m so proud of you and you’re doing so well, big congrats.’ It was that moment that was so important to me.”

Johnson said that the switch to football was not an easy one, but her connection to people on the team helped her feel more included. “I was lucky enough to have already been friends with a lot of people on the team, which made the transition much easier for me,” Johnson said.

“Sometimes it can be really hard to be on the team, but it’s super rewarding at the end of the day.”

Not only have her teammates helped her feel included, but the coaches have helped her build up confidence in football over the years and helped her meet her goals. “I thought that transition was going to be really awkward, especially

In the 2022-2023 girls basketball season Johnson, a three sport athlete, tore her ACL causing her to be out for the soccer season. She had to completely rehab over the summer to be able to kick for her senior season.

“Tearing my ACL was brutal.

The first few weeks I had a really hard time kicking the ball because of the direction I went with my ACL. I chose to use a quad graft to replace my ACL which means that I lost all strength in my quad which is rough for kicking,” Johnson said. “I spent about six months trying to get that

Untitled by Rain Malmin

“Arctic Penguins” by Thea KingMaKenzi VerVaecke

Kate Johnson and Nate Gentzel(12) practice point after touchdown attempts at the end of practice.

back, which was really just a really frustrating process.”

as I can, and it’s going to be okay.”

Johnson struggled with her confidence at the beginning of the 2023-2024 football season due to her knee injury.

“I think this year the most impact my injury has had is just boosting my confidence coming back after the injury.

This season it’s been a huge confidence builder seeing that I can do things that I used to do before my injury,” Johnson said. “Like knowing that I can throw my knee at a ball as fast

Although Johnson has a lot of pressure on her for being the only female on a traditionally all male team, she encourages other girls to try football if they are interested in playing.

“There will be a lot of pressure if any girl does it, so you have to have a very strong mentality,” Johnson said. “And there will be some hard days, but in the end, it’s very rewarding.”

“Bias” by Llilawyn Turren-

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Meghan Taylor authors Colorado bill on non-legal name changes By: Dalton Gates

Manitou Springs Senior Meghan Taylor created, proposed and contributed to two bills (HB24-1039: Non-Legal Name Changes & HB24–1040: Gender-Affirming Health-Care Provider Study) with fellow Colorado Youth Advisory Council members over this last year.

The COYAC was created in 2008 after Colorado State Representative Ellen Roberts introduced HB08-1157 to better “examine, evaluate and discuss the issues, interests, and needs affecting Colorado youth now and in the future, and to formally advise and make recommendations to elected officials regarding those issues,” as it says on the COYAC website.

Taylor’s two years as a COYAC board member have led to these bills and other positional highlights such as being the small group leader in charge of welcoming prospective members, a cultural leader often in charge of setting the tone and opening-remarks, COYAC’s and the Colorado Suicide Prevention Commitee’s youngest representative and co-chair of the Youth-Specific Initiatives Workgroup all while still in her senior year of high school, which can be overwhelming for her.

“I’m still just a senior with senioritis trying to get through the school year,” Taylor said.

“I went to the Capital, I defended my bill for two hours, then I went to school the next day. And I was just like, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t do my

chemistry homework.’”

Though both bills had her hand in the making, she had control over HB24-1039: Non-Legal Name Changes as the main writer for this bill.

“It is for anyone between the ages of 12 and 17, in a public or charter school in the state of Colorado, if they wish to have a non-legal name change to their school,” Taylor said.

“So with the policies of the task force being put in place, a student wishing to have an illegal name change would not be required to tell their parents about it due to a lot of things, mostly fear of retaliation from parents against students that could become violent, especially as it affects LGBTQ+ students.”

In a committee meeting with other members of COYAC tobegin drafting their articles, they discussed current events and policies that were important to them and brainstormed. “The idea for nonlegal name changes came and policies that were important to them and brainstormed. “The idea for nonlegal name changes came because of a student who attempted to have their name legally changed through the school and was unsuccessful until they got a teacher to help them through the process,” Taylor said. “It was still a really difficult process for them to go through, and that really just inspired me when I joined this gender affirming care bill HB24-1040. Is it something that we could standardize and make avail

Susan Taylor

Meghan Taylor (12) celebrates with the rest of the COYAC members in the Colorado House of Representatives after the hearing of HB24-1039: Non-Legal Name Changes and HB24-1040: Gender-Affirming Health-Care Provider Study. “The bills were drafted all of the legal language was put down by the Legislative Council, because our job as COYAC members, is really to create proposals of things that we see you going through our job is not to write the legal language because, unfortunately, something that the COYAC director has reminded me many times,” Taylor said. “When I called her at like 9:30pm asking her for help was ‘Meghan you do not have a law degree’. Unfortunately, I do not. I’m still in high school. It’s really a pain. I wish I did.”

able to all students so that they don’t have to struggle the same way that he did, and make the process easier overall.”

After the publishing of the work and heading to sessions at both the Colorado House of Representatives and Colorado Senate, the bill received massive media attention from places like Colorado Newsline, The Colorado Sun, KDVR, CPR, and Fox News, presenting many different beliefs regarding the bill.

Making it past the first step, the bill and Taylor moved forward to the next: presenting the bill to the Colorado House of Representatives, which included going through the session, making amendments and listening to

public testimonies.

“Every single public testimony was not only against bills in COYAC, but they were very specifically against my bills. I was called a ‘groomer’.

I was called a ‘deceitful liar’.

I was told that this is violent against parents. I was told that I am forcing children to come out, that I was forcing children to transition, that this bill would force teachers to or that this bill would allow teachers to force transition on students,” Taylor said. “I would just like to say that that’s not going to happen.

This bill is really just about love and equality and hope for transgender and gender diverse students who feel like there’s not a lot of hope left for them.”

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What did you want to be when you grew up?

Ethan Anderson - Sports Medic Margot Ane’ - Restaurant Worker Anna Apotheker - Dolphin Trainer Chloe Arnoldussen - Veterinarian Elsa Baker - Dog Hairstylist Ethan Beckum - Fire Fighter Cassidy Blechman - Veterinarian Bryan Bourgeouis - Forensic Scientist Liam Bowie - Marine Biologist Jack Boyd - Police Officer Jeffery Byrd - Electrician Connor Cassidy - Electrical Engineer Victoria Choate - Engineer Will Cittadino - Police Officer Jack Clifford - Pro Skier Stiles Cluxton - Spaceman Quinn Corey - Lawyer Austin Courson - Pro Hockey Player Emily G. Davis - Lawyer Bradyn Dowling - Hippo Trainer Gaia Drotar - Help People Sierra Dunlap - Veterinarian Beck Enquist - MLB Player Izzy Erickson - Veterinarian Cannon Feist - MLB Player Petra Figueroa - Astronomer Morgan Flannery - Teacher Katelyn Fonkert - Teacher Sam Fournier - NBA Player Maggie Franklund - Marine Biologist Deric French - Astronaut Khristian Sanders - Spider-Man Dalton Gates - Film Director/Writer Bennett Gauvin - Olympic Athlete Nate Gentzel - Pro Baseball Player Devlyn Golembesky - Cowgirl Hallen Haile - Pro NFL Player Bowman Hall - Train Conductor Kiera Heffler - Doctor Kai Jacobson - Actor Liz Johnson - Environmental Engineer Kate Johnson - Doctor LilyAnne Johnson - Veterinarian Ivory Johnson-Ragan - Life Guard Jason Jones - Actor Cody Kelley - Firefighter Cadence Kelsch - Cardiothoracic Surgeon Thea Kingman - Ballerina Lukas Kotopoulos - Dinosaur Museum Attendant Zayden Lee - Zoologist Afton Lindner - Pro Lego Builder Aislynn Lindner - Veterinarian Cadence Magruder - Marine Biologist

Rain Malmin - Broncos Cheerleader Braelyn Maniates - Zendaya Rowan McCardie - Zoo Keeper Dylan McVerry-Reese - Astronaut Hannah Mellinkoff - Marine Biologist McKinley Milliron - Veterinarian Jeremy Morisset-Everly - Doctor Anya Nelsestuen - Pixar Animator Donovan Ornelas - NFL Player Brooklyn Oursler - Marine Biologist Rakshit Parmar - Musician Josh Patterson -Astro Physicist Lucas Peixoto Sundquist - Doctor Ashton Perry - Scientist Connor Perry - Millionaire Evelynn Ramos - Veterinarian McKesson Rhodes - Ballerina Genaro Roldan - Police Officer Angela Rowe - Detective Jayson Saucedo - AT Teen Titan Nick Schneider - Astronaut Josiah Schwartz - Food Cole Sinclair - Kyle Bush Gavin Smith - Pro Clash Royale Player Jordan Somogyi - Astronaut Gage Stout -Astronautical Engineer Seth Stutzman - Artist Meghan Taylor - Pastry Chef Jake Thomson - Secret Service Agent Hailey Troxell - Astronaut Lililawyn Turrentine - Astronomer Even Waldo - Superhero Jazmyn Webb-Everly - Dancer Julianna Wiezorek - Teacher Will Wray - Astronomer Cody Wyman - Rollarcoaster Designer Zaure Yerzhan - Newscaster Evan Yount - Pro Athlete

Seniors who didn’t respond: Graham Beckum Emily R. Davis Sebastian Crover Jacob DeSmidt Griffin Hoaglund Camden Jacobson Aspen McGill Aiden Snow

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However, these testimonies did not stop this bill and after after the run and pass at the Colorado House of Representatives on March 1, it moved forward in the process to the Senate in April and one step closer to being passed in the State of Colorado.

Although Taylor faced backlash during public testimony on her bill, she also experienced support. “I made some friends while I was there. I met someone from the American Civil Liberties Union and someone from Planned Parenthood, who were representatives from those organizations that had come to support the bill,” Taylor said.

“It was really great to hear people from that big organi-

zation saying that they were so proud of the work that I had done.”

Fellow COYAC representative and member, Leigh Schimdt, has worked in COYAC with Taylor since her arrival.

“Meghan has been vital to COYAC’s work over the last two years. She has brought invaluable knowledge and personal experiences to our work and has taught me so much about connecting with people and bringing energy and enthusiasm to every meeting,” Schmidt said. “I admire Meghan’s willingness to learn and ask questions – she has grown so much since I’ve known her through her curiosity about issues and government.”

COYAC Director Sarah Moss has been beside Taylor the whole way, from her introduction to her soon graduation. “Meghan is thoughtful and caring. Her sense of humor helps break the ice with both her peers and legislators.

She demonstrates mature self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication,” Moss said. “In an organization full of teenagers who are learning about the legislative process for the first time, Meghan makes COYAC more welcoming and connected when she openly acknowledges her own excitement, fear, overwhelm, or readiness to help more.”

As the Colorado Senate

passed the bill on April 1, with a signing of the bill by Governor Jared Polis on April 29 and move forward to the estimated prospects of a summer signing for the bill.

But the fall implementation of the next school year isn’t the only mark she’s leaving.

“The term ‘chosen name’ is not was not a legal definition in the state of Colorado before this bill. So I added a term in the legal dictionary, which is crazy. That happened,” Taylor said. “I’m just insanely grateful for all the opportunities and I’m very sad that with my graduation I will also be leaving this post but I wouldn’t trade it for the anything. I’m very, very excited to see what comes next.”

Cluxton jumpstarts his automotive career

By: Angela Rowe

Senior Stiles Cluxton has taken the opportunity to learn about vehicle mechanics as part of his high school experience. He enrolled in the Career Start program that is offered through Pikes Peak State College his junior year, giving him the chance to get ahead of the game.

Cluxton enjoys the thought of getting out of the typical school day and took advantage of getting to spend his day learning about something he found interesting. “I like being outside of school, it is what I do for work and what I do for a living so having more people in the industry teaching me is helpful,” Cluxton said.

Automotives run in the family, spiraling Cluxton’s interest and motivating him to one day inherit his stepfather’s company. “Right now,

I’m learning how to run the books, do the front desk, and be the big man, although that’s what’s difficult for me,” Cluxton said.

Cluxton attends the class during the first two blocks of a school day at Pikes Peak State College. This program gives him the opportunity to learn new skills and deepen

Lilliy Nice his understanding on vehicle Stiles Cluxton (12) excited to begin his life in the real world upon graduatservice. “I get to wake up a ing MSHS and finishing the career start program. little later in the morning, get out of school for a couple good plan,” Cluxton said. He is,” Trainor said. “If it’s an applans to go into the autoof hours to do something I prenticeship or a certification, motive field right after high enjoy, and the school pays for we want to prepare students it as long as I keep my grades school, so Career Start was for the future.” a great opportunity to gain and attendance up,” Cluxton experience and knowledge. said.

Cluxton enjoys the opportunity to attend the Career The Career Start Program was The Career Start program Start Auto Service Tech II made to give students an opis open to all juniors and program, as it is a topic he portunity to go straight into seniors who are on track to takes interest in and plans to graduate.“Our previous coun- the workforce after graduatpursue in the future, giving ing.

“College is not for everyselor had talked to me about him the chance to connect body, but having a plan with others his age and up, it and it seemed like a really building lifelong friendships.

Students come together to celebrate Prom

Page 10

By: Dalton Gates, Morgan Flannery and Katelyn Fonkert Prom night for the Mustangs was held on Apr. 26, 2024 at The Craftwood Inn in Manitou Springs, CO. The theme for the evening was “Mamma Mia,” a reference to the 2001 Broadway musical and 2008 film, both set in Greece. An assortment of food and beverages were available, including a fully stocked mocktail bar and a taco bar. The Craftwood was the perfect choice, nestled in the Manitou foothills with a cozy, cottage feel.

Additionally, the night even an area outside with cornhole for Mustangs wanting to step away from the music and enjoy some fresh air.

Sam Fournier

Dalton Gates

Students dance on the small upper level dance floor. The floor shook as students jumped.

The crowns for Prom King and Queen were given to seniors Kate Johnson and Brayden Dowling. The evening was filled with lots of energy, music and even a few backflips. At the end of the evening, the seniors gathered with arms around each other for a final moment together to sing “Home” by Phillip Phillips.

“The Prom was very high energy,” Katelyn Fonkert said. “Way more hype than last year.”

Dalton Gates

Kate Johnson (12) and Bradlyn Dowling (12) pronounced Prom Queen and King.

Brooklyn Oursler

Brooklyn Oursler (12) and Thea Kingman (12) drinking some ‘Dynamo’ Mocktails.

Page 8

Significant Special Needs students create spa product company By: Halli Frost

Manitou Springs High School strives to provide crucial enrichment activities for significant support needs students.

Over the past 10 years, since special education teacher Jill McCracken started the tradition, SSN students have participated in learning how to hand-make spa products.

“A lot of these kids don’t want to go to college or won’t for various reasons, so giving them something they can do here that they could take with them is part of what we provide,” McCracken said.

The SSN program over the years has worked to still make projects as student-led as possible, regardless of mobility limitations. Students create the company name, this year it is Club Manitou, and help to design the product labels.

“We print labels for them and they would design them so that the project was their own, and just get them involved in the process of choosing which products to make,” McCracken said.

The students working on these projects this year have focused on sugar scrub, body butter, bath bombs and bath fizz.

“Products are sold to staff during two yearly sales. One sale happens before winter break, the other in late April for Mother’s Day,” SSN teacher Megan Lamoreaux

said. “Any leftover products are sold by students during the Woodland Park Farmer’s Market during the summer.”

All proceeds go to support the continuation of the program.

The students work in collaboration with the School to Work Alliance Program. in our significant needs program. “Our students were able to use a variety of assistive technology devices to participate to the fullest extent in measuring, pouring, and mixing ingredients,” Halli Frost Jazmyn Webb-Everly (12), Austin Durham (10) and Jeremy Webb-Everly (12) Lamoreaux said. make spa products for Club Manitou.

The students work together to create the perfect set of spa products every year, and they all have personal preferences. Jazmyn Webb-Everly (12) said that her favorite spa product is the “bath bombs”, and her favorite part about making them is “using the switches to mix the products.”

Other than the technical side of things, some students love to just take in the smells and sensations of the spa products. SSN student Austin Durham (10) said that he enjoys “smelling the essential oils”, and his favorite spa product that they make is “body butter”.

Paraprofessionals Izabeth Mumford and Talor Goodloe are pleased that they get to create adaptive technology to help students fully participate in the making of the prod

ucts, while also learning the business side of things.

“Work experience is something a lot of high school students have the opportunity to do independently, but for this group of students, they need additional support and something that is able to be adapted,” Lamoreaux said.

The paraprofessionals who tend to care for these students notice how excited students get to make these products for other people, and how much this experience means to these kids. SSN student Jeremy Webb-Everly (12) knows the process of making the spa products by heart.

“First, get out the ingredients, next, mix the ingredients, then, package the product, and lastly, sell the product,”

Jeremy Webb-Everly said.

As this tradition continues and is passed on from generation to the next, SSN teachers and paraprofessionals will strive to keep creating new adaptive ways to help their students fully participate in the making of products and running of a business.

“I love seeing how excited the students get while making everything and seeing the finished products,” Izabeth Mumford said.

Ethan Anderson to attend MCAD to pursue the Arts

Page 9

By: Jack Boyd and Dalton Gates As the 2024 school year draws to a close, Ethan Anderson (12) has reflected on his last 4 years at Manitou and how he has spent that time fueling his various passions, one of which being the creative arts. Students of MSHS will recognize Anderson as a bright and cheerful peer of artistic talent, and may harken back to various displays of his art in the SILC building over the past years.

Now that Anderson’s high school years are coming to an end, his current plan is to attend the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and further hone his skill and passion for creation.

Anderson has had a long history with art, both in life and in MSHS in particular, and has expressed his passion for the subject through many art pieces, for instance a particular animated piece done by carving each frame of animation out of material. “I animated a walk cycle,” Anderson said. “It’s eight frames long, and I carved all eight of those frames onto linoleum and then printed them so it’s like a stop motion with prints that I made.”

Anderson hopes that his passion for creative arts is matched by his next school.

“I had a few criteria for choosing a college,” Anderson said. “The first is that I am a very very good artist and in order for college to be worthwhile for me, I have to go to a very good art school.”

Anderson narrows the search for schools through the need for an arts focused college that is progressive and in a safe location.

“Location was actually the main thing for me,” Anderson said. “I’m very picky about where I want to live, so I couldn’t do anywhere in the South, And I couldn’t do any states that aren’t trans

Jack Boyd friendly, which narrows Ethan Anderson (12) stands beside several of his art pieces on display outside of it down more than you’d Erin Gocinski’s room in the SILC building. He made the piece on the top left, titled “Pensive”, with charcoal. think.” arts naturally grants him “I’m a creature of comfort. So With Anderson’s college nar- a close relationship with I knew it would be nice to go rowed down, he kept continu- his teacher Erin Gocinski, to a college that I sort of have ing the work needed for the one of MSHS’s art teachers. spent time at before.” portfolio and preparation to Anderson has taken several attend in the fall. And as this arts classes with Gocinski at Anderson has a hopeful attifuture draws closer, Anderthe helm across high years at tude regarding his future after son’s mother Cindy Anderson Manitou Springs, from paint- attending MCAD during an expresses her excitement ing to drawing, and capping on-campus summer program with MCAD and Anderson’s off his high school years with for Animation before his future. an independent study.

Junior-Year. Going into an artistic and creative field, he “I am so proud of Ethan and “Ethan is such an incredible looks forward to how MCAD his hard work that earned person who is so beautifully can assist him in his future him a scholarship and accep- authentic,” Gocinski said. “It goals. tance into MCAD,” Cindy has been a pleasure and honAnderson said. “I think he is or to be alongside him as he’s “There’s this one artist out going to have so many amaz- grown up these past 4 years.” there, Alberto Mieglo, he ing opportunities and I can’t kind of has this thing where wait to see where life takes MCAD describes their school he will move all around the him.” on their website as “Offering world, and stay somewhere a transformative education for a few years and then Ethan Anderson has received open to all backgrounds, bounce around,” Anderson $92,000 towards a future at MCAD gets you ready to said. “He’ll go on for an art MCAD across all four years. confidently lead and practice directing project and then “When I was admitted, they in an ever-evolving world. leave it and do his own thing informed me that I had won It’s where students find their for a while and then do the highest possible base personal and professional another project and then do merit scholarship,” Anderson purpose as creative leaders.” his own thing. And that’s the said. dream.”

“I do have all of these, sepaAnderson’s passions for the rate interests,” Anderson said.